set off

verb

1. 1

   cause to burst with a violent release of energy

   We exploded the nuclear bomb

2. 2

   set in motion or cause to begin

   The guide set the tour off to a good start

3. 3

   direct attention to, as if by means of contrast

   This dress accentuates your nice figure!

   I set off these words by brackets

4. 4

   provoke or stir up

   incite a riot

   set off great unrest among the people

5. 5

   put in motion or move to act

   trigger a reaction

   actuate the circuits

6. 6

   leave

   The family took off for Florida

7. 7

   make up for

   His skills offset his opponent's superior strength